The US State Department has officially announced an expansion of sanctions against Iran's oil and petrochemical sectors, targeting networks involved in the illegal trade of these commodities. According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the move comes amid heightened security concerns in the region and is designed to further restrict Tehran's financial resources.
The newly imposed restrictions target the following:
- 15 entities associated with illegal trade;
- 14 vessels identified as part of the "shadow fleet."
Official Washington maintains that these targets have been utilized by the Iranian regime to fund activities that destabilize the region and finance domestic repression. The State Department emphasized that instead of investing in national infrastructure or public welfare, the Iranian leadership continues to divert funds toward proxy forces and activities deemed as terrorism.
Under the administration of US President Donald Trump, the policy of "maximum pressure" remains a central pillar of Washington's strategy to prevent illegal oil exports. This latest round of sanctions follows indirect discussions held between the two parties in Oman. While Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the contacts as a "good start," the US administration has yet to provide an official comment on the outcome of the talks. The expansion of these measures reflects a continued effort to isolate Tehran economically until significant shifts in its regional policy are observed.
